Avoid Common Resume Mistakes for Students in the Philippines

As a student entering the job market in the Philippines, crafting a strong resume is crucial. Many candidates struggle with common mistakes that can block their chances of being invited for interviews. These errors often go unnoticed, but they can be easily fixed with a careful review of your resume.

Mistake #1 – Poor Formatting

Why this hurts

A cluttered or inconsistent format can distract recruiters and make it hard for them to find key information.

Example

• Bad: Using multiple fonts and sizes throughout the resume.
• Better: Stick to one or two professional fonts and consistent formatting.

How to fix

• Use clear headings and bullet points to organize information.
• Ensure consistent font usage and alignment throughout your resume.

Mistake #2 – Irrelevant Information

Why this hurts

Including unrelated experiences or skills can dilute your key qualifications, making it hard for recruiters to see your suitability for the role.

Example

• Bad: Listing every high school achievement.
• Better: Focus on relevant college projects or internships.

How to fix

• Tailor your resume to highlight experiences that align with the job description.

Mistake #3 – Vague Descriptions

Why this hurts

Using general terms without specifics can leave recruiters unsure about your actual contributions and skills.

Example

• Bad: "Responsible for social media."
• Better: "Managed a social media campaign that increased engagement by 30%."

How to fix

• Quantify achievements with numbers and specific outcomes.

Mistake #4 – Lack of Keywords

Why this hurts

Resumes lacking relevant keywords can get overlooked by ATS, which often filter applications based on specific terms.

Example

• Bad: "Worked on projects."
• Better: "Collaborated on data analysis projects using Excel and Python."

How to fix

• Incorporate keywords from the job listing into your resume naturally.

Mistake #5 – Spelling and Grammar Errors

Why this hurts

Errors in spelling or grammar can convey a lack of attention to detail, which is critical in a professional setting.

Example

• Bad: "I am a fast lerner."
• Better: "I am a fast learner."

How to fix

• Proofread your resume multiple times, and consider asking someone else to review it.

Mistake #6 – Ignoring Contact Information

Why this hurts

Failure to provide accurate contact details can result in missed opportunities.

Example

• Bad: No phone number listed.
• Better: Include a phone number and a professional email address.

How to fix

• Double-check that your contact information is current and correctly formatted.

Mistake #7 – Using an Unprofessional Email Address

Why this hurts

An unprofessional email can create a negative first impression.

Example

• Bad: "[email protected]"
• Better: "[email protected]"

How to fix

• Create a professional email address using your name.

Mistake #8 – Not Customizing for Each Application

Why this hurts

Sending the same resume for every job can show a lack of genuine interest in the positions applied for.

Example

• Bad: Generic resume for all applications.
• Better: Tailored resume specific to each job description.

How to fix

• Customize your resume for each application to reflect the job requirements.

Entry-Level

Entry-level candidates often lack professional experience, which can lead to mistakes such as overstating academic projects. Focus on genuine skills and internships instead of exaggerating qualifications.

Mid-Level

Mid-level applicants may struggle with framing their experience. Ensure you highlight achievements that showcase growth and leadership rather than simply listing responsibilities.

Senior/Lead Level

For senior positions, candidates often fail to demonstrate strategic thinking. It's vital to frame your experience in terms of leadership and impact within previous roles.

• Ensure your resume is well-formatted and easy to read.
• Remove irrelevant information that doesn’t align with the job.
• Use specific examples and quantify your accomplishments.
• Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description.
• Proofread for spelling and grammatical errors.
• Include accurate contact information.
• Use a professional email address.
• Customize your resume for each job application.
• Keep your resume to one page if possible.
• Seek feedback from peers or a professional service like mistakes.cv.

Don’t let common resume mistakes hold you back from landing interviews. Review your resume today and ensure it reflects your best self. Use mistakes.cv to get a professional second opinion and polish your resume for success.

Your future career starts with a strong resume. Take the first step now!